The decision to speak out following sexual abuse can take many survivors years or even decades. The legal process for a sexual abuse case, even a civil one, may often feel retraumatizing for survivors, making it difficult for them to see through. This is one of the many reasons why trauma-informed representation matters in sexual abuse cases. Having a Michigan sexual abuse lawyer is crucial to appropriate representation.
Our team has dedicated more than a decade to handling sexual abuse cases, from individual cases to national class action lawsuits. Your needs are our first priority, and this means providing trauma-informed representation for our sexual abuse cases. Pursuing justice should not be more difficult for survivors because their legal team is ignorant of their needs.
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Descrption: a sexual abuse victim seeking trauma-informed representation from a lawyer
Alt text: why-trauma-informed-representation-matters-in-sexual-abuse-cases
Understanding Trauma-Informed Care
Legal representation and law enforcement are prime examples of entities that should have trauma-informed approaches but perhaps don’t or do not have enough. When we speak about trauma-informed practices, we are referring to policies, procedures, and behaviors that minimize the risk of retraumatizing clients and understand how pervasive trauma from sexual abuse cases can be.
This can include an awareness of some of the following:
- Behaviors that may result from trauma
- How trauma may affect memory
- What triggered behavior or anxiety from trauma may look like
- Understanding that the way everyone copes is different and there is no right or wrong way
An important distinction is that trauma-informed representation is in no way trauma services. Any agency, company, or entity can implement a trauma-informed approach to their business, whether these show up in the way they work with clients or employees. However, helping an individual deal with their trauma or process those feelings should be left to a mental health or trauma provider.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Trauma-Informed Representation in Practice
Many survivors face skepticism and uncertainty when they report. Family may be concerned about blowing up relationships if their child discloses something like clergy sex abuse, and the fear of not being believed can be paralyzing. Trauma-informed representation as a lawyer simply means we listen to our client’s concerns and take steps to help them feel safe and confident through the legal process.
There are countless ways a lawyer can show up for their clients in sexual abuse cases through a trauma-informed approach. This can begin with the phone consultation and intake. The Michigan Victim Advocacy Network shares the six principles of trauma-informed care.
Safety
It is crucial for abuse survivors to feel safe in their work with their legal team. This can include physical and emotional safety. In legal practice, allowing the client to choose where to sit in your office, asking if they would like the door open or shut, or allowing them physical space.
In some cases, this may even include giving them a quick tour of the main areas of the office when they arrive so they feel secure in their surroundings and know how to get out if they want to leave.
Trustworthiness & Transparency
Legal firms can show trustworthiness and transparency by providing clear expectations for how the process works. This may mean scheduling frequent check-ins, even if there are no updates, but it allows you to establish trust and show follow-through. Additionally, providing updates quickly after you receive them and communicating your strategy can show transparency and hopefully allow them to trust you will come to them with anything important.
Empowerment
Survivors of sexual assault and abuse often feel their power has been taken away. The legal process is often a huge step in their journey to reclaim that power and autonomy. Trauma-informed representation can empower them by keeping them in the loop regarding all stages and decisions, allowing them to take the lead, and clearly communicating to them that they are in charge.
Cultural Humility
The myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual abuse are endless. From victim blaming to simply not being believed, survivors of sexual abuse may face significant cultural barriers to stepping forward. As their representation, it is our job to be up to date on research and laws to support their case and help them navigate some of the cultural concerns that come with it.
Collaboration
Given that we are the experts, we can only do so much to collaborate with our clients. However, when we include them in the decisions affecting their case or even allow them to see our thought processes on case strategy, we continue to hand their power back and build trust. When survivors of sexual abuse feel seen and heard, the court system works more effectively,
Peer Support
Peer support as it relates to trauma-informed representation may be difficult to implement in a legal setting because it requires staff to have shared experiences. Law offices can provide similar support by providing referrals to programs or agencies that may offer peer support services or other support groups. Beyond this, you can listen when you receive feedback and implement changes as they are appropriate.
The Dangers of Trauma Ignorant Representation
When we, as lawyers, are unaware of what trauma may look like and some of the common symptoms, we lose some ability to build a case for our clients effectively. It is not uncommon for their credibility to be challenged for behaviors that are generally considered aligned with experiencing abuse. Some of these accusations may include:
- Delayed reporting
- Lack of medical attention
- Continued engagement with the perpetrator
- Sexual history
When legal representation is not trauma-informed, we do clients a disservice. The legal process is invasive and can require survivors to relive the incredibly painful experiences as they re-tell their stories or remember related details. When survivors are unsure of whether they will be believed or respected in the process, breaking the silence is much more difficult.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Call a Michigan Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If someone has subjected you to sexual abuse, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Coming forward can be an incredibly difficult decision, and at White Law PLLC, we are honored to be part of your journey and endeavor to provide the specialized care these cases deserve. If you are uncertain, you can review our testimonials of previous clients to see our long history of respecting and supporting our clients.
If you think you may want to move forward, you can contact us at any time to schedule a case consultation with no fee or obligation. This consultation will allow you to speak with someone from our team and get more information on what the process may look like. You don’t have to shoulder this burden alone, so call us today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
